The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has initiated serious legal action against senior administrative officials in a major financial scandal involving highway development funds. The bureau registered a formal FIR against Moga's Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Paramjit Singh for his alleged involvement in misappropriating approximately Rs 3.7 crore from a crucial highway project.
The Core Allegations and Financial Irregularities
According to the official complaint, the controversy centers around the construction and development of a 13-kilometer stretch of the Moga-Kotkapura highway. The project, which was supposed to enhance connectivity in the region, became the subject of a detailed probe after allegations of financial misconduct surfaced.
The Vigilance Bureau investigation revealed that ADC Paramjit Singh, who also served as the Additional Director of Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats, allegedly colluded with other officials to bypass established procedures. The most serious accusation involves the illegal withdrawal of Rs 3.7 crore from the project funds without following mandatory government protocols.
Investigators found that the accused officials failed to obtain technical sanctions and administrative approvals before proceeding with the expenditure. This fundamental violation of financial rules suggests a deliberate attempt to circumvent oversight mechanisms designed to prevent exactly this type of corruption.
Expanding Investigation and Additional Accused
The net of investigation has widened beyond just the ADC. The Vigilance Bureau has also named former District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) Dharam Singh in the FIR, indicating that multiple officials across different departments may have been involved in the scheme.
Furthermore, the bureau has initiated proceedings to include former Block Development and Panchayat Officers (BDPOs) Balwinder Singh and Amritpal Singh as accused parties in the case. This expansion suggests a coordinated effort among officials at various levels to manipulate the system for personal gain.
The investigation uncovered that the accused officials processed and approved bills without the necessary technical verification. This lack of due diligence created opportunities for financial mismanagement and potentially allowed for the inflation of costs or payments for substandard work.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
The case has been formally registered under sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code. These sections cover serious offenses including criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy, indicating the gravity of the allegations.
The Vigilance Bureau has assembled a special investigation team to pursue all angles of the case. Officials have indicated that they are examining bank records, payment trails, and documentation related to the highway project to build a comprehensive case against the accused.
This investigation is part of the Punjab government's broader anti-corruption drive, which has seen increased scrutiny of development projects across the state. The timing of this FIR suggests that no official, regardless of position, is immune from investigation when allegations of financial misconduct arise.
The case has sent shockwaves through the state's administrative circles, particularly among officials handling development projects and public funds. It serves as a stark reminder that vigilance agencies are actively monitoring the implementation of government schemes and will take action against any irregularities detected.
